Qatar World Cup fan-zone food dubbed a ‘rip off’

People are sharing pictures of the food from the fan zones Qatar World Cup, and they look bleak, to say the least.

The FIFA football competition kicks off on Sunday 20th November, but some people who are already there aren’t too impressed with some of the food on offer.

One such example is a ‘Greek Salad’, which is said to have costed 38 Qatari Rial (£9) – and…well, just look at it.

Greek salad at the Qatar World Cup fan zone

🇶🇦 38 Rial (£9) pic.twitter.com/K5taOhM9Q3

— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) November 16, 2022

With chunks of misplaced iceberg lettuce that look like they’ve been ripped up by hand, barely any tomatoes or olives and a literal dusting of feta, the salad was a sorry looking sight, to say the least.

It was shared on Twitter account, Footy Scran, where football fans from around the world showcase the meals they bought at various stadiums and near local games.

Reacting to the post, originally spotted by The Sun’s @MartinLipton, one person noted, rather accurately, that it “screams of Fyre Fest”.

Meanwhile, another shared a picture of a goldfish, writing: “Greek salad? If that’s a Greek salad then this is salmon en croute”.

The salad is but one example of a snap from disgruntled fans. Reports have also come of bone dry nachos with barely any guacamole for £4.60 and some rather depressing looking chicken quesadillas for £8.

Twitter account Football Away Days also shared another image from Qatar – this time of a depressing looking burger which was reportedly being sold with beer for the equivalent of £25.

Burger & Beer at Doha fan park for the World Cup… 🍔🍺

This will set you back £25. 😳 pic.twitter.com/zGc8W6gHNO

— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) November 17, 2022

As dry and unappetising as the burger did look, some joked that this was actually a “bargain compared to London stadiums”.

Whilst the food in at least some of the football fan zones does look to be unquestionably disappointing, the Qatar World Cup website does offer some insight into a slightly more appealing dining scene.

“A number of providers offer an Arabian grilled feast by the sea,” it says. “Enjoy the contrast of turquoise oceans and vast deserts in the soft, warm hues of sunset. If you’re adventurous, you can even have a sunset swim.

“[Or] take in Doha‘s spectacular skyline and immerse yourself in a range of cuisines including Arabic, French fusion, Asian, Mexican and truly spectacular seafood, with a serving of local culture thrown in for good measure.

“With close to 3000 restaurants and dining experiences to choose from, a trip to Doha is sure to be a sublime culinary trip, as well as an adrenaline-filled football event.

“Remember that the weekend starts on a Friday, so be sure to book a table for a glamorous brunch or a top-notch dining extravaganza.”

Twisted has contacted FIFA for comment.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on Sunday (Credit: Alamy)

The news comes as Qatar recently did a u-turn on allowing people to drink alcohol in stadiums whilst watching the game.

“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA fan festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters,” said a statement from world football’s governing body.

“There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums.

“Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.

“The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”

It comes after Budweiser, which is a big sponsor of FIFA and is owned by company AB InBev, was meant to have exclusive rights to sell beer at this year’s World Cup.